Karen villagers’ settlement in Kaeng Krachan National Park sparks public outcry

Protests have erupted among local residents in Phetchaburi over the Thai government’s decision to settle 150 Karen villagers in Kaeng Krachan National Park. The controversy was sparked on April 30 when the prime minister issued an order permitting the villagers to return to arable land located deep within the Bang Kloy Bon area of the national park.

This decision has been met with widespread backlash, particularly among those invested in the preservation of natural areas and land in the province. Sumol Sutawiriyapat, a former Phetchaburi senator and the president of the Phetchaburi Nature and Environment Preservation Club, has voiced concerns that the forest will be damaged as a consequence of the order. The club has queried the government on this matter but has not received a response.

Sumol explained that multiple generations of Karen villagers have historically…